WATCHET youngsters have a whole new piece of play equipment to explore thanks to money secured by West Somerset Council and Watchet Town Council.

Town councillors successfully bid for funding for the new Woodlander Duo equipment from a pot of money secured by the district council from developers.

The so-called 'Section 106 funding' is paid by developers to be used in communities to offset the impact of their building works.

The latest piece of play equipment in the town's Memorial Ground is aimed at the under-eights and has been installed alongside existing under-fives timber-framed play equipment, which was also funded by Section 106 money.

Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin, chairman of Watchet Town Council, said: "The new play unit further enhances the play equipment provision for up to the under-eights age group and makes the children's play area on the Memorial Ground a very exciting place for children to enjoy with their families."

She said more work was still to be done and the town council's tourism and leisure committee was looking at ways of making the most of its budget to upgrade the existing slide and to install much-needed new seating and picnic benches.

Cllr Dave Westcott, a town and district councillor for Watchet, added: "West Somerset Council is delighted to have again assisted Watchet Town Council with this project which will give younger children a greater variety of outdoor play options.

"This project has seen a proactive approach and good partnership working from the two authorities and has yet again benefited the Watchet community."

Photo: Steve Guscott